Criminal Defense Attorney for Economic Crimes: Theft or Fraud
Criminal Defense Attorneys in Montreal
Need a lawyer for economic crimes: theft or fraud
Criminal Defense Attorney for Economic Crimes: Theft or Fraud
Have you been accused of fraud, theft, or any other money-related offense? Our criminal defense lawyers will review your legal file to uncover any evidence favorable to your case. At our firm, we defend the interests of each of our clients with the goal of securing an acquittal or minimizing the charges.
A Theft Offense Considered an Economic Crime Under the Canadian Justice System
Although the term is common, many people are misinformed about what a theft actually represents in the Canadian justice system. Section 322 of the Criminal Code gives us the exact definition of this economic offense.
“Every one commits theft who fraudulently and without colour of right takes, or fraudulently and without colour of right converts to his use or to the use of another person, anything, whether animate or inanimate, with intent to deprive, temporarily or absolutely, the owner of it.”
An accusation of a white-collar crime can have
serious consequences .
Avoiding a Criminal Record
It is important to know that even if you plead guilty or are found guilty of theft, it is still possible to avoid getting a criminal record.
Consult with our criminal defense attorneys to find out if you are eligible for an acquittal, with or without conditions. With our expertise, we will be able to help you.
Defense Strategies for a Person Charged with Theft
Lack of intent and simple forgetfulness
Just because you are accused of theft does not mean you are automatically guilty of this criminal offense. Very often, people are stopped by security officers and do not have the opportunity to explain themselves, which can lead to a wrongful accusation. It is not uncommon for people to be accused of theft when it was simply a momentary lapse of attention or an oversight. In criminal law, if you had no actual intent to steal the merchandise, you have a valid defense.
Our Strategy for Avoiding a Criminal Record
In such a situation, it is essential to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney who can advise you on the proper course of action and your defense options. At Riendeau Avocats, our team will review your case to have the charges dismissed or to proceed to trial if necessary. We take our role as criminal defense attorneys seriously and will do everything in our power to secure an acquittal for you and protect your future.
How can we help you?
Our team is here to guide you every step of the way with tailored solutions and ongoing support, whether you need advice, technical assistance, or help defending your rights.
The Team at Riendeau Avocats: 20 Years of Expertise in Defending Economic Crimes
With a team of experienced attorneys—some of whom have more than 20 years of experience practicing law—our firm is the go-to choice for anyone facing economic or financial charges.
Over the years, we have developed specialized and in-depth expertise in economic crime cases (fraud, theft, breach of trust, etc.). This specialization has enabled us to secure numerous acquittals for our clients, even in situations that initially seemed hopeless. We are well-versed in the technical nuances, complex financial investigations, procedural loopholes, and defense strategies necessary to protect your reputation, your freedom, and your criminal record.
But beyond our performance in court, it is our human approach that sets us apart. Recognized for our exceptional ability to listen, we understand that behind every case is a person going through a difficult time, where their career and reputation are often at stake. Our top priority remains the rigorous defense of our clients and the favorable resolution of complex cases.
With our team, you won’t just be a case number; we’ll listen to you, understand you, and vigorously advocate for you.
Call upon a qualified criminal defense lawyer if you are facing charges for an economic crime such as theft or fraud.
If you are facing economic charges, such as theft or fraud, do not hesitate to contact our experienced criminal defense lawyers right away. Our team will take the time to understand the charges against you and explore the different options available to help you move past them.
Why choose Riendeau Avocats to represent you in economic crime cases?
You’re not automatically guilty
Being the subject of an investigation or charged with an economic crime does not automatically mean you will be found guilty. It is essential to consult with an experienced legal team to critically analyze the complex documentary evidence and assess your actual chances of success.
Recognized expertise
At Riendeau Avocats, we handle a significant number of cases involving financial and economic offenses each year. We have extensive experience with complex investigations and the case law surrounding these charges. If a defense is possible, we will build the strongest possible strategy for you.
Defending your rights
If your rights were not respected during the police investigation, a search, your interrogation, or your arrest, we will defend them with the utmost rigor. We work tirelessly to uphold your fundamental rights at every stage of the process.
A charge of an economic crime can have serious consequences
Contact us for fast, personalized answers to your questions.
Fraud: An Economic Crime Under the Law
Definition in the Criminal Code
The offense of fraud (Section 380) applies to any person who, through deception, falsehood, or other dishonest means, deprives the public or an individual of property, services, or money. These means include any false statement or scheme devised for the purpose of enriching oneself.
The risk of harm is sufficient
It is crucial to understand that it is not necessary to have actually deprived the victim of their property, or even to have personally benefited from the fraud, in order to be charged. The mere act of creating a risk of harm or damage through fraudulent means is sufficient.
Tips
Fraud is a complex criminal offense, often involving a large volume of documentary evidence, which is very difficult to defend against on your own. We strongly recommend that you seek the assistance of our professionals, who will provide you with invaluable support throughout the legal process.
Answers to Your Questions About Economic Crimes
Facing a financial or economic charge can raise many questions and cause a great deal of anxiety about your professional future. Our FAQ helps you understand the various offenses, possible penalties, and your options for defense, so that you can act quickly and confidently with the help of our specialized attorneys.
Economic crimes (or white-collar crimes) refer to nonviolent offenses committed for the purpose of illicit enrichment. These include, in particular, fraud, theft (shoplifting or theft by an employee), breach of trust, money laundering, corruption, and identity theft.
The distinction hinges on dishonest intent. A breach of contract or bankruptcy occurs when a person or business is unable to fulfill its financial obligations. Criminal fraud involves “deception, falsehood, or other dishonest means” with the intent to deceive the victim from the outset in order to obtain money or property from them.
No, not automatically. Once the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP) files charges, reimbursing the victim does not erase the crime. However, voluntarily reimbursing the victim is a major mitigating factor that can significantly influence the sentence or facilitate a favorable plea bargain between your attorney and the Crown.
This involves the theft of property or money belonging to one’s employer. The courts consider this type of theft to be particularly serious because of the “breach of trust.” The penalties sought are often more severe than for simple theft and may include imprisonment, even for a first offense.
Breach of trust (Section 336 of the Criminal Code) occurs when a person (such as a financial advisor, an estate liquidator, or a member of a board of directors) misappropriates or uses for personal gain property or money entrusted to them in the course of their duties, thereby violating their legal obligations.
Yes, that is a real possibility. Fraud involving more than $5,000 is punishable by a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Furthermore, if the value of the fraud exceeds $1 million, the Criminal Code provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years of actual imprisonment.
No, if the Crown cannot prove criminal intent. Fraud requires proving that you knew your actions were dishonest and that they created a risk of harm. An error made in good faith, mismanagement, or incompetence do not constitute criminal fraud. The absence of intent ( mens rea) is a fundamental defense.
Yes. A legal entity (the company) can be criminally charged, but directors, officers, or employees who orchestrated, directed, or actively participated in the fraud may also be held personally liable and face charges and imprisonment.
Depending on your field of work, this is indeed likely. A criminal record for fraud, theft, or breach of trust will significantly damage your professional reputation. Many professional associations (CPA, Barreau, OIQ) and employers require that candidates have no criminal record related to integrity, especially in finance, law, or management. This is why it is vitally important to avoid having a criminal record.
These cases are often among the longest in the justice system. Between the police investigation (which can take years), the review of thousands of pieces of evidence (evidence disclosure), preliminary motions, and the trial, a complex economic crime case can easily drag on for several years.
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Phone: 438-391-8367
Courriel : info@riendeauavocats.ca
